Machu Picchu Without the Inca Trail: 5 Ways to Get There

When most people imagine visiting Machu Picchu, they picture the famous Inca Trail winding through the Andes.

But here’s something many first-time travellers don't realise: you don't have to hike the Inca Trail to experience Machu Picchu.

Whether you have limited time, don't enjoy long-distance trekking, are travelling with family, or simply want a different way to experience the Andes, there are several ways to reach this iconic Inca citadel.

Here are five options to consider when planning your Machu Picchu journey.

1. Take the Train to Aguas Calientes

For travellers who want the simplest route, the train is the most straightforward option.

You can travel from destinations such as Ollantaytambo or other train stations in the Sacred Valley towards Aguas Calientes, the town located below Machu Picchu.

From Aguas Calientes, visitors continue by bus or on foot towards the Machu Picchu entrance.

The train journey itself is part of the experience. As the route moves deeper into the Andes, the landscape changes from the open valleys around Cusco and the Sacred Valley to dramatic mountains and lush vegetation closer to Machu Picchu.

Best for:

• First-time visitors

• Families

• Travellers with limited hiking experience

• People with a tight itinerary

• Anyone who wants a comfortable journey

Tip: If your itinerary allows, consider spending a night in Aguas Calientes instead of trying to visit Machu Picchu and return to Cusco in the same day.

2. Explore the Sacred Valley Before Taking the Train

Why rush straight to Machu Picchu when the journey itself can be part of the adventure?

A popular option is to spend a day exploring the Sacred Valley of the Incas before boarding the train.

Your journey could include places such as Pisac, Urubamba and Ollantaytambo, allowing you to experience archaeological sites, traditional communities and dramatic Andean landscapes along the way.

You can then board the train from the Sacred Valley and travel to Aguas Calientes.

This option combines some of the most memorable experiences around Cusco with a relatively easy journey to Machu Picchu.

Best for:

• Travellers who want culture and history

• First-time visitors to Peru

• Couples

• Families

• Travellers who don't want a multi-day trek

It also gives you more time to adjust to the altitude around Cusco before heading towards Machu Picchu.

3. Take the Salkantay Trek

If you want to hike to Machu Picchu but don't want to do the classic Inca Trail, the Salkantay Trek is one of the best-known alternatives.

Unlike the Inca Trail, the Salkantay route takes you through a different landscape, including high mountain terrain, valleys and increasingly lush environments as you approach Machu Picchu.

The trek typically takes several days and is considerably more demanding than simply taking the train.

But for travellers who enjoy hiking, it offers something a train journey cannot: the feeling of travelling through the Andes on foot before arriving at Machu Picchu.

Best for:

• Experienced or reasonably fit hikers

• Adventure travellers

• People looking for a multi-day trekking experience

• Travellers who want dramatic mountain scenery

Keep in mind: Salkantay is still a serious trek. Not choosing the Inca Trail doesn't mean choosing an easy hike.

4. Try the Lares Trek

Another alternative for travellers who want to experience the Andes on foot is the Lares Trek.

The Lares route is particularly interesting for travellers who want to combine hiking with a deeper look at traditional Andean life.

Depending on the itinerary, you can encounter mountain communities, agricultural landscapes and remote valleys before continuing towards Machu Picchu.

Unlike the Inca Trail, the Lares route does not take you directly through the famous Sun Gate into Machu Picchu. The trekking portion is generally combined with transportation, often including a train journey for the final part of the trip.

Best for:

• Travellers interested in Andean culture

• Hikers looking for an alternative route

• People who want a less conventional experience

• Travellers who enjoy combining trekking and local experiences

5. Combine a Short Trek With the Train

Don't have several days for a trek but still want to walk through the Andes?

You can build your Machu Picchu journey around a shorter trekking experience combined with the train.

Instead of committing to a four- or five-day adventure, you can explore part of the surrounding landscape on foot and use the train for the remaining journey.

This can be a useful middle ground for travellers who want some physical adventure without making trekking the entire focus of their Peru trip.

Best for:

• Travellers with limited time

• Casual hikers

• Families with older children

• People who want a mix of comfort and adventure

So, Which Way Should You Choose?

There isn't one perfect way to reach Machu Picchu. The right option depends on what you want from your Peru trip.

Want comfort?Choose the train.

Want to experience the Sacred Valley as well?Combine a Sacred Valley itinerary with the train.

Want a serious adventure?Consider the Salkantay Trek.

Want hiking with a stronger cultural focus?Look into the Lares Trek.

Want a little adventure without spending several days trekking?Combine a shorter trek with the train.

And remember: Machu Picchu doesn't have to be a test of endurance.

For some travellers, the journey is about hiking through remote mountains. For others, it is about watching the Andes unfold from a train window, exploring ancient towns, meeting local communities and finally standing in front of Machu Picchu.

Both can be unforgettable.

Planning Your Machu Picchu Journey?

Your route to Machu Picchu should fit your time, interests, comfort level and overall Peru itinerary.

At Inka Ayway, we help travellers experience Peru through locally curated journeys, from the Sacred Valley and Cusco to Machu Picchu and beyond.

Whether you want a relaxed train journey, a cultural itinerary or an adventurous trek, the journey can be designed around the way you want to travel.

Ready to experience Machu Picchu your way? Explore Peru with Inka Ayway.